F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Do I need a Wi-Fi Access Point or just an extender to get my signal further?

Do I need a Wi-Fi Access Point or just an extender to get my signal further?

Do I need a Wi-Fi Access Point or just an extender to get my signal further?

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PrestonNguyen
Member
218
10-03-2026, 08:54 PM
#1
I moved into a new apartment with an OTO fiber line coming inside a metal box right next to the main door. The modem from my provider fit right in, but the WiFi signal is weak as you would expect. I can run a cable all the way into different rooms, but I still need good WiFi coverage for my devices. Should I: 1) Buy a wifi extender with the Zyxel modem's strong signal? If yes, which one should I get? Or 2) Run the cable to a more central room and install a new wifi access point there? If yes, which one should I choose?
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PrestonNguyen
10-03-2026, 08:54 PM #1

I moved into a new apartment with an OTO fiber line coming inside a metal box right next to the main door. The modem from my provider fit right in, but the WiFi signal is weak as you would expect. I can run a cable all the way into different rooms, but I still need good WiFi coverage for my devices. Should I: 1) Buy a wifi extender with the Zyxel modem's strong signal? If yes, which one should I get? Or 2) Run the cable to a more central room and install a new wifi access point there? If yes, which one should I choose?

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mjt2789
Senior Member
483
10-18-2026, 03:34 PM
#2
The number two looks like the top choice. Anyway, no matter what you choose, just don't use the 2.4 gigahertz wifi.
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mjt2789
10-18-2026, 03:34 PM #2

The number two looks like the top choice. Anyway, no matter what you choose, just don't use the 2.4 gigahertz wifi.

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QwertyCat
Member
198
10-23-2026, 02:54 PM
#3
You should avoid using any "extender" repeater because it will slow down your internet speed and cause interference between your wireless signals. If you can run a hard-wired ethernet cable to the other rooms instead, that's actually the best way to go. Big companies do this already since wifi started, so they probably have enough money for better solutions anyway. They prefer using an AP or router set in "AP mode."

If you already have coax cables between your rooms, you might consider using MoCA instead of ethernet. MoCA is very close to the performance of standard ethernet and saves you from having to run new wires. If you decide to use ethernet though, do not buy a thin or flat cable for it. That type of cable does not meet the real standards. You only need Cat 5e wire made from pure copper (no CCA), but make sure the thickness is between 22mm and 24mm. Those thinner cables have thicker wires marked with numbers like 30 or 33, which means they are actually bigger than what you need.
Q
QwertyCat
10-23-2026, 02:54 PM #3

You should avoid using any "extender" repeater because it will slow down your internet speed and cause interference between your wireless signals. If you can run a hard-wired ethernet cable to the other rooms instead, that's actually the best way to go. Big companies do this already since wifi started, so they probably have enough money for better solutions anyway. They prefer using an AP or router set in "AP mode."

If you already have coax cables between your rooms, you might consider using MoCA instead of ethernet. MoCA is very close to the performance of standard ethernet and saves you from having to run new wires. If you decide to use ethernet though, do not buy a thin or flat cable for it. That type of cable does not meet the real standards. You only need Cat 5e wire made from pure copper (no CCA), but make sure the thickness is between 22mm and 24mm. Those thinner cables have thicker wires marked with numbers like 30 or 33, which means they are actually bigger than what you need.